Leon Kennedy x Reader

~ Childhood Sweethearts ~

warnings/tags: friends to lovers, slow burn, pining, eventual romance, eventual smut, depressed/drunk/sick Leon, angst with hurt/comfort, drunken confessions (kinda) 

series synopsis: You and Leon have been friends since you can remember. You've always been there for him, especially through the bad times. He's in a bad place again and he needs you. You're the only light in his pretty dark life.

word count: 2,3k.

It was storming outside, and you could hear the violent tapping of the rain on your window, as well as the rumbling sound of the thunders, making you flinch and tighten your grip on the blanket draped over your shoulders. The noises from outside were making it difficult for you to concentrate on the show playing on the TV, and you found yourself turning to look at the black sky repeatedly, anticipating the jump each time you saw the white light pierce the dark.

You were yet again staring at the gloomy night sky when, instead of a rumble, you heard a knock on your front door, which startled you considerably more. You warily walked to your entrance, wondering who could possibly be wandering outside in such bad weather, not to mention looking for you so late at night.

When you opened the door, Leon was standing there, soaking wet and looking absolutely rattled. He staggered inside without saying anything and almost bumped into you in the process. He had clearly been drinking, judging by the way he dragged his feet and the reddish tone of his cheeks. You'd seen him in such a state before... but there was something different this time. Something in his expression that deeply concerned you.

"Leon?" you inquired with alarm, your wide eyes tracking his movements. You shut the door behind you while never taking your eyes off of him. He was visibly fighting to stand up straight, and you were ready to step in and help him if his legs gave out under him but somehow he managed to take a few unsteady steps forward and lean against the nearest wall.

"I'm sorry..." he murmured, hanging his head. His eyes darted restlessly around your flat, pointedly avoiding yours as if he was ashamed of his state. He attempted to undo his jacket but his fingers kept missing the zipper and so you jumped in to lend him a hand. Your eyes raised to meet his, an apprehensive look on your face.

"Leon, what happened?" You asked carefully although failing to hide the worry in your voice.

It took him some time to respond, as if he was trying to catch the words that kept on escaping him.

"I'm not feeling well..." he finally admitted once you had removed his jacket. From so close, you could smell the alcohol on him but also see the bags under his eyes which made him look as if he hadn't slept in days.

He raised his shaking hand to push back his wet hair, and your frown deepened as you realised he was not only drenched in rain but also covered in sweat.

You so desperately wanted to know what had happened, what had triggered him to relapse into his toxic addiction. But it was clear that he had no strength left to stay conscious, let alone answer your questioning. You had to wait until he felt better.

"Do you need to puke?" you pressed him, feeling your concern grow by the second.

Leon nodded with some effort.

"I... I don't feel well..." he mumbled again, straining to keep his eyes open.

He reached out towards his hair again, as if to do something with it, but instead only ended up scratching at his scalp. You instantly took hold of his hands and squeezed them gently in yours to draw his attention.